Narrating Social Absurdity: A Critical Study of Evelyn Waughs Satirical Vision

Abstract

It is common knowledge that the novels of Evelyn Waugh have displayed the sharp social comment and caustic satire. In the form of humor, irony, and exaggeration, Waugh reveals craziness of social conventions and classes as well as human pretensions in England of the beginning and middle of the 20 th century. The following paper explores Waugh and his narrative techniques, thematic interests and vision of the satire critically paying attention to the ideas of social absurdity and moral decadence expressed through the works of Waugh. The analysis of some of the novels, such as Decline and Fall, Vile Bodies and Scoop, occasions the identification of particular features of Waugh in criticizing foolishness in society and being a literary figure whom Prufrock could easily look up to. The analysis implies that the satire written by Waugh can be not only considered a social criticism, but also dwelling upon the painful human imperfections, which makes his literary vision topical to be used in modern discourse.